Question

A nurse is part of a team providing care to a neonate with a myelomeningocele. When implementing the neonate's plan of care, what is the priority action by the nurse?

1) Preventing infection
2) Ensuring adequate nutrition
3) Conserving body heat
4) Promoting neural tube sac drainage

Answer 1

1) Preventing infection is the priority action by the nurse when implementing the neonate's plan of care for a myelomeningocele.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority action by the nurse when implementing the neonate's plan of care for a myelomeningocele is preventing infection. This is because an open neural tube defect such as a myelomeningocele puts the neonate at a high risk of infection. The nurse should ensure strict sterile techniques during dressing changes, monitor for signs of infection, and administer prophylactic antibiotics as prescribed by the healthcare provider.